Gaming can create jobs, stimulate economic growth—Mbah

Peter Mbah of Enugu State says that the gaming industry, if properly harnessed, has potential for creating lots of jobs and stimulating economic growth.

The governor also highlighted technology and decentralisation of regulatory powers as key to the development and growth of the Nigeria’s gaming industry.

Mbah said this during the opening of the 2025 edition of the Enugu Gaming Conference organised by the Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission in Enugu on Wednesday.

The two-day conference, which had as its theme: “From Unification to Diversification: Shaping Nigeria’s Gaming Future” was part of efforts of Enugu State Government to grow local gaming industry.

Mbah, represented by the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Dr Nathaniel Urama, said gaming industry was a catalyst for job creation and economic growth.

He commended the Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission for organising the Conference, which focuses on issues such as the movement from a centralised to decentralised regulatory architecture.

“Over the past year, the Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission has made giant strides in regulatory transformation of the industry.

“I am proud to share that we have invested in cutting-edge digital infrastructure aimed at raising the bar for regulatory excellence.

“At the heart of this transformation is the Automated License Verification and Operator Registration Portal, a secure intelligence system that enables real-time tracking, licensing, and validation of gaming operators across the state.

“This innovation has drastically reduced manual interference, minimised the risk of fraud, and ensure compliance with our gaming laws,” he said.

He announced plans to roll out advanced technologies and awareness campaigns to promote responsible gaming, protect vulnerable communities and eliminate underage gambling in Enugu State.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Arinze Arum, underscored the evolving nature of the industry, noting that it had been tremendous.

“We must be honest with ourselves. The Nigerian gaming industry is at a critical juncture. The conversations are no longer just about enforcement or revenue generation.

“They are now about jurisdiction, innovation, technology, cross-border collaborations and most importantly, structure,” he said.

Arum said there was need for a decentralised regulatory framework tailored to local realities and economic priorities while maintaining synergy between state-level commissions and federal institutions.